Admonishing and Encouraging my Fellow Travelers on this Journey Called Life!

Monday, December 01, 2014

A Dog And Her Boy

Lindy (and some of the family) in younger days!

In February of 2002 the New England Patriots began their
current era of NFL dominance, the USA hosted the 16th Winter Olympics,
and my brother Thaddaeus, my Grandparents and I went to Delaware, Ohio so that
I could get a Successor Service Dog from Canine Companions for
Independence. My first dog Indy had
passed away in April 2001. I was excited
because I had really enjoyed having a dog and my first dog had greatly
increased my confidence and independence.

I watched the Patriots beat the Rams in the Super Bowl from
the comfort of my hotel room and the next day I started training for my new
dog. One of the first things I did
(along with the others in the class) was meet all the dogs who were waiting for
matches.

When I met Lindy II, I joked that it would be funny if I got
matched with Lindy. 3 days later it
happened. Over the next week and a half we bonded with each other and our
classmates. Lindy proved to be very
compliant and eager to please. When I
found out that Lindy had the same birthday (May 6) as Indy, I felt God was
smiling!

Lindy I did a lot together.
We rode the bus, hung out at the mall, worked at summer camp, and a lot
of other fun stuff. We also went to
church and many other family events like reunions and family vacations. As result, many of my friends became Lindy’s
friends. Also, I believe having a dog
helped me make new friendships and deepen others. I am so thankful for those at CCI who have
dedicated their lives to training these dogs that have changed my life and the
lives of others like me. I owe them a
debt I can never repay.

One of Lindy’s biggest paw prints was left at Right To Life
of Michigan. She became the mascot of the
Telemarketing department. She was very
popular to the point that when I came without her (a long story) people would
ask how she was BEFORE they asked about me! :)

Lindy loved everybody and was always glad to go to
work. She loved the ice water that was
put in her bowl every day. She also
loved it when she would be taken out by one of my gracious friends to save me a
trip out in the cold. Those times were a
blessing to her and to me. I will always
be grateful to those inside (and outside) The Telemarketing Department at Right
To Life for their fondness and care of both of us.

When I think about Lindy and her unconditional love for me,
I feel humbled and blessed. Taking care
of her was the least I could do to express my gratitude to her and to God who
gave her to me. I am reminded of the
verse “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies
of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)
I am so glad God gave us the time he did. Even after she retired, there was something
comforting about looking over to her favorite spot and seeing her there looking
back at me!

My amazing and precious Lindy passed away a little over a
week ago. I am hurting but at peace. She was a great dog and was my right paw
for 8 wonderful years. I was so glad to give her 3+ years of retirement. I can't
put a chapter and verse to it and would never preach it, but I can't help but
hope (at least in part) that she's in heaven. We had a great run and I will
miss her lots! Please pray for me! For those of you who were her friends, she
says thank you!

Lindy Gommesen
Beloved Companion

May 6, 2000-November 23, 2014

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of
them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." (Matthew 10:29)
Thank you father for entrusting her to me and giving her 4 more months than we
thought!